Book 2
1.7
Tell me, then, said Cyaxares, do you not consider the Persian force small which you say you are bringing? Yes said Cyrus; but we will consider laterTheir method of warfare whether we need more men or not. Now tell me, he went on, what each party’s method of fighting is.About the same with all, said Cyaxares; for there are bowmen and spearmen both on their side and on ours.Well then, said Cyrus, as their arms are of that sort, we must fight at long range.
1.8
Yes said Cyaxares, that will be necessary. In that case, then, the victory will be with the side that has the greater numbers; for the few would be wounded and killed off by the many sooner than the many by the few. If that is so, Cyrus, then what better plan could any one think of than to send to Persia to inform them that if anything happens to the Medes, the danger will extend to the Persians, and at the same time to ask for a larger army? Why said Cyrus, let me assure you that even though all the Persians were to come, we should not surpass the enemy in point of numbers.
1.9
What better plan do you see than this? If I were you, said Cyrus, I should as quicklyProposed reorganization of the Persian commoners as possible have armour made for all the Persians who are coming here just like that of the so-called peers who are coming from our country—that is, a corselet to wear about the breast, a small shield upon the left arm, and a scimitar or sabre in the right hand. And if you provide these weapons, you will make it the safest procedure for us to fight at close quarters with the enemy, while for the enemy flight will prove preferable to standing their ground. And it is for us, he continued, to range ourselves against those who hold their ground, while those of them who run away we propose to leave to you and the cavalry, that they may have no chance to stand their ground or to turn back.
